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Importing and Exporting Custom Field Files

Starting in FileWave version 13.1 you can import and export custom field definitions. This is ideal for sharing powerful fields not built into standard inventory.

Always check a script before deploying to all devices. No, really, always!

Exporting:

    Open your (Assistance → Custom Fields → ) "Edit Custom Fields" UI

    Select one or more custom fields

    Press "Export" 

    Save the "FileWave Custom Fields.customfields" file

    Share online, or store for later

    Importing:

      Download the custom field file

      Open your (Assistance → Custom Fields → ) "Edit Custom Fields" UI

      Press "import" Browse for file

      If the fileset contains a script, verify it is safe for your environment

      Associate the field with the needed device(s)

      You may also want to import custom field values 

      See 8.9. Custom Fields for more on assigning fields to devices, and importing custom field values.

      Conflicts:

      Custom vs Internal

      FileWave will let you re-use an internal name that is the same as another inventory element.  If a Custom Field were added with an internal name of 'location', two 'location' internal names would co-exist the built-in internal name and the added Custom Field.

      A prefix may be added to avoid confusion on matching inventory names.  The prefix varies depending upon the method being used to reference the internal name.

      Method Prefix Example MDM Profile custom_field %custom_field.location% Scripted Launch Argument CustomFields %CustomFields.location%

      Custom vs Custom

      If you are importing a custom field with an internal name that is the same as an existing custom field internal name you will see: 

      custom field exists error.png

        Cancel - Stops the whole process and makes no changes

        Skip - If importing a custom fields file with multiple entries you can skip the one that is conflicting and continue

        Keep both - This will add _2 to the internal name of the field you are importing

        Overwrite existing - Replace your existing entry entirely (as long as it isn't used in smart groups, inventory queries, etc)

        Just because you CAN overwrite an existing custom field doesn't mean that is a good idea. Best practice would be to import it as an additional field and resolve the conflict manually.

        If the internal names are in use (Smart Groups, Inventory Queries , DEP auto) when you press "overwrite existing" you will see this telling you where it is in use:

        internal_name-inuse.png